In a stunning diplomatic blunder, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have been accused of peddling "delusional" lies about Britain's pivotal role in brokering the Gaza peace deal. As Starmer jets off to Egypt for a high-stakes summit on the ceasefire agreement, critics from the US, Israel, Italy and beyond are dismantling the Labour government's inflated narrative. This controversy isn't just embarrassing—it's a symptom of deeper issues, including Starmer's own actions that allegedly hindered peace talks and a desperate Foreign Office cover-up tied to a China spy scandal.
The Bold Claims: UK as Gaza Peace 'Key Player'?
On the eve of the historic Gaza peace summit, Phillipson boldly asserted that the UK had played a "key role" in securing the ceasefire that ended two years of devastating conflict. Starmer echoed this sentiment, positioning his administration as a linchpin in the Trump-brokered deal. These statements were meant to burnish Labour's foreign policy credentials amid domestic turmoil.
But the reality? Far from a starring role, the UK's contributions appear marginal at best. The ceasefire, hailed as the "first phase" of President Donald Trump's ambitious peace plan, was driven primarily by US diplomacy, with key inputs from Israel, Egypt, and regional mediators. British involvement, while present, was sidelined in official acknowledgments.
International Rebuke: 'Delusional' Label from US and Israel
The backlash was swift and scathing. Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, didn't mince words, branding Phillipson "delusional" in a viral X post. "She's delusional," Huckabee wrote, urging her to "thank President Trump, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and the State of Israel" instead of claiming UK glory. This wasn't isolated—Israel's deputy foreign minister piled on, outright rejecting Phillipson's assertions as overreach.
Other nations have echoed the scepticism. Regional players like Egypt, hosting the summit, have credited US-led efforts without mentioning London. The chorus of international dismissal paints a picture of a UK government out of touch with its diminished global clout under Starmer.
Witkoff's Selective Praise: Spotlight on Powell, Silence on Starmer
Adding fuel to the fire, Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff issued a statement today lavishing praise on the UK's "vital role" in the talks—but with a glaring omission. Witkoff singled out National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell for his "incredible input and tireless efforts," crediting the veteran negotiator (famous for his Good Friday Agreement work) as a behind-the-scenes hero. Notably absent? Any mention of Starmer himself.
This selective shout-out has sparked speculation. Is Witkoff extending a lifeline to Powell amid his mounting scandals, while quietly sidelining the PM? The envoy's words, posted early Monday, come just as Starmer arrives in Sharm El Sheikh for the signing ceremony, amplifying the awkward optics.
How Starmer Hindered the Gaza Peace Process
Worse still, evidence suggests Starmer's government actively complicated the path to peace. Critics, including Reform UK leader Richard Tice, argue that Labour's early recognition of a Palestinian state "damaged" negotiations and alienated Israel, a key player in the deal. Israel's government has explicitly stated that the UK's premature Palestine declaration risked derailing talks, turning potential allies into sceptics.
Under Starmer's watch, the UK wavered on core issues like hostage releases and ceasefire timelines, further stalling momentum. As the Telegraph reported, these missteps left Britain on the sidelines while Trump seized the initiative. The result? A peace deal that could have come sooner, saving countless lives—if not for Labour's diplomatic fumbles.
Foreign Office Pressure: Shielding Powell from China Spy Scandal
Behind the Gaza spin lies a darker motive: protecting Powell from a brewing China espionage crisis. The national security adviser is under fire for his alleged involvement in the collapse of a high-profile China spy trial last month. The case, involving sensitive evidence from Beijing, fell apart due to government withholding—prompting Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to demand Starmer's intervention.
While ministers like Phillipson insist Powell had "no role" in the evidence drop, Labour has admitted he advised on "matters surrounding" the case. Sources point to intense Foreign Office pressure to insulate Powell, fearing his ousting would expose deeper lapses in counter-espionage. The timing is damning: Witkoff's praise arrives as MPs prepare to grill officials, suggesting a coordinated effort to rehabilitate Powell's image via Gaza glory.
This scandal underscores broader concerns about China's threat to UK security, with the government refusing to classify Beijing as a top-tier adversary despite mounting evidence. Starmer's silence only fuels demands for accountability.
A Wake-Up Call for Starmer's Foreign Policy
As Starmer pledges UK leadership in Gaza's reconstruction at the Egypt summit, the "delusional" tag sticks. The Gaza peace deal marks a rare win for Trump, but Labour's overreach has eroded Britain's credibility on the world stage. With Powell's scandals simmering and international allies scoffing, Starmer must confront the truth: bluster won't rebuild trust.
For the UK, the path forward demands humility, not hubris. Will Starmer learn from this Gaza gaffe, or double down on the delusions? The world is watching.
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